Watch Now: How I'll bring the strong progressive leadership Vancouver deserves.
About William
William Azaroff is a community housing leader and city builder who knows how to bring people together to get things done.
Born and raised in Vancouver, William has dedicated the last 20 years to making our city stronger through building affordable housing, partnerships, and organizations.
William is the CEO of Brightside Community Homes, where he leads a team that manages over 1,100 affordable homes for seniors, families, and people with disabilities - with 400 more on the way. Under his leadership, Brightside is on track to double the number of affordable homes in its portfolio, has certified as a Living Wage Employer and is working to eliminate fossil fuel usage completely by 2035.
Prior to Brightside, William worked at Vancity for over a decade, working his way up to an executive position where he managed $4 billion in community investments. This work has had a real impact on our city, through funding local non-profits, supporting climate action, and backing Indigenous-led businesses.
He is also a dedicated board director, having served on the boards of community organizations like the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, Modo, and the Vancouver International Film Festival.
William and his family are long-time residents of the Strathcona neighbourhood.
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Why I'm Running
I care deeply about our city. I was born and raised here and I have always believed that this is a place where anyone, from anywhere, can come and build a good life.
But today, building that good life is harder than it should be. Vancouver faces serious challenges: crumbling community centres, a housing crisis, and wealth inequality.
We can turn things around. But it will take serious leadership with the political will to invest in the housing and services we all need.
Our present leadership isn’t up for the job. Ken Sim and ABC have spent their time in office making decisions that cause serious harm, from banning net-new supportive housing to ending the city’s Living Wage. Now, in their last year, they are gutting our city’s budget at the expense of the well-being of its people.
That’s why I’m seeking OneCity’s mayoral nomination.
Vancouver is a rapidly growing city, but it is essential that we grow well.
That means investing in community centres, plazas, libraries, and parks in every neighbourhood.
That means building affordable homes on every type of street, so you have the freedom to choose where and how you want to live in our city.
Over the coming weeks I look forward to meeting you and earning your trust.
With gratitude,
William
We're Backing William
We are truly fortunate to have a community leader like William Azaroff put his name forward to lead our city for current and future generations!
William is a trusted advisor to me on thoughtful planning for neighbourhoods that are centred around schools and support affordable housing across our city.
He understands the big picture, long term planning for residents, and I know he will fight for the services, schools and housing we need across Vancouver.
I am proud to support William for OneCity’s mayoral nomination.
Jennifer Reddy
OneCity School Board Trustee
Housing, health, and climate policy are interconnected. William's track record shows that he'll address these simultaneously, and make big moves to create more sustainable, equitable and livable communities.
We need a climate and housing leader in the Mayor's Office—and I'm proud to endorse William Azaroff as OneCity's mayoral candidate.
Dr. Melissa Lem
Family Physician and Climate Advocate
I've followed William's career with so much admiration as his friend the past 20 years, that when he announced his intention to run for mayor I jumped out of my chair and actually cheered out loud.
It's about time more people got to know him: his personal integrity, walk-the-talk values, not to mention his many contributions to the city.
He's the kind of person you wish would run for public office—I'm thrilled to endorse William Azaroff as OneCity candidate for Mayor of Vancouver.
Colin Stein
Author and Active Transportation Advocate
I’ve been friends with William for over 20 years, after we met when our kids were born. He’s a person of integrity and compassion with a strong commitment to community, justice, and accountability.
His leadership at work shows up in the community with care, curiosity, and respect.
He has my full support as OneCity's mayoral candidate.
Parker Johnson
Retired City of Vancouver Equity Office Staff
How The Nomination Process Works
I'm honoured to be standing for OneCity Vancouver's nomination to be the next Mayor of Vancouver. This section sets out how the party's nomination process works, and how you can make sure your voice is heard.
To learn more about the nomination and voting process, visit OneCity's website. If you have questions or aren't sure if you're eligible, please contact us at [email protected]
Join OneCity
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I'm Not a Member, But I Still Want To Help
Don't worry - even if you're not a member or not eligible, we'd love to have your support. You can sign up for volunteer opportunities to help us reach out to OneCity members. You can also donate to help us reach even more people.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions about the campaign or about William's plans for Vancouver, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at [email protected] or reach out to us on social media.